Keep learning with the companion guide.
Open this simple resource in a new tab, then use it at your own pace.
Open the free guide →The source video opens with a strong promise: type one word into ChatGPT and change the way it answers.
The ten phrases in the video offer a shortcut: FIRSTPRINCIPLES, YCOMBINATOR, GARYVEE, ELI10, REDTEAM, LINDYMODE, 80/20, HUMAN, ANTIADVICE, and UNLEARN.
They work—when they work—because each word suggests a different lens for the response. REDTEAM asks for opposition. ELI10 asks for simpler language. 80/20 asks for prioritization.
**A strong prompt does not only describe the task. It tells the AI how to examine the task.**
01 — These are prompt lenses, not hidden ChatGPT commands
ChatGPT does not contain a documented TRUTHMODE, LINDYMODE, or YCOMBINATOR button. The model interprets the word using the surrounding conversation, its training, and the rest of your request.
The shortcut version vs the dependable version
Short version: REDTEAM my business idea.
Dependable version: Specify goal, context, evaluation criteria, and explicit output requirements.
**Asa’s note:** 'The power is not inside the word. The power is knowing which kind of thinking the job needs.'
02 — What the ten power words are trying to do
1. FIRSTPRINCIPLES: Separate facts from assumptions; rebuild from fundamentals. 2. YCOMBINATOR: Early-stage startup lens focusing on painful problems and speed to market. 3. GARYVEE: Direct, action-oriented, volume-friendly messaging focus. 4. ELI10: Explain simply without condescension or unnecessary jargon. 5. REDTEAM: Act as an adversary; identify risks, flaws, and failure modes. 6. LINDYMODE: Focus on durable ideas that stand the test of time over trends. 7. 80/20: Focus on the 20% of effort that delivers 80% of business results. 8. HUMAN: Write in conversational, natural language; strip robotic AI-isms. 9. ANTIADVICE: List what NOT to do; highlight common traps and mistakes. 10. UNLEARN: Re-examine traditional practices and test fresh approaches.
03 — Turn shortcuts into dependable business prompts
Use the Lux Prompt Stack for business-critical workflows:
1. Task: What must be done?
2. Context: What information does the AI need?
3. Lens: Which prompt lens applies (e.g. REDTEAM, 80/20)?
4. Constraints: What are the limits or forbidden boundaries?
5. Output Format: Exactly how should the output be structured?
**“AI should work for you.” — Asa Pritchard** **Learn AI. Build Tomorrow. Change the World. — LANA**
Your next action
Open the 10 Prompt Lenses Practice Planner (/documents/10-prompt-lenses-practice-planner.html) and download the Lux 10 Prompt Lenses JSON (/documents/lux-10-prompt-lenses.json). Select three prompt lenses for your next project.